ALJ,,„OWAY 



AN ODE 






i Q n A 




Class E^^l- 



CDPOUGHT DEPOSm 



z 




^/^ /€j^£/ /~l/-6x--^ 



^n mt 



TO THE MEMORY OF OUR 
COUNTRY'S FATHER. 



CHARLES ROZELL ALLOWAY 



MILWAUKEE, WIS. 
1908 



COPYRIGHT, 190S 

BY 

CHARLES R. ALLOVVAY 






fuisARY of OONU^.F.S^ 
J wo copies rtectt:*->J 

MAY 11 1908 

At>r \0 1^6^ 



'^'' ''^ ' Ningta mftng 



PREFACE 




X PRESENTING this little poem 
to the public, I have endeavored 
to give a correct history of George 
A\^ashington in concise form ; and 
beginniiJg' swith the year 1657, have 
included four generations of the 
AA^ashington family. 

I have also attempted to show the sterling- 
qualities and beautiful traits of character of 
both George and Martha \\^ashington, which 
led to a united and harmonious life wherein 
noble and unselfish work was perfected. 

It has been my aim to have this composi- 
tion of George Washington's life prove of 
great benefit to all, enabling each one to over- 
come the obstacles of life, and filling each 
heart with love and respect for this great 
spirit, and true patriotism at all times. 

Cpiarles Rozell Alloway. 




GEORGE WASHINGTON 



OUR COUNTRY'S FATHER 

In the year 1657, on the banks of the Potomac 
fair, 

John AA'ashington, a man of EngHsh parent- 
age, settled there. 

And after thirteen years of battle against life's 
stnrdy stream. 

Lord Cnlpepper of England satisfied his earth- 
ly dream 

By granting him a tract of land — 8,000 acres 
in all. 

Abont half of this was timbered with trees 
both laroe and small. 



The remaining half into five separate farms 
was made 

And tilled by negro slaves with the plow, hoe 
and spade. 

And now into onr tale fair Cnpid he has crept; 
The stnrdy Angnstine, sweet Jane Bntler has 
met. 

They, of course, were married. 'Tis said their 
love was very warm. 

And to them two cheerful sons were born. 



After a few years of l^eaiitiful wedded life, 

Death came and took from him this loving 
little wife. 

With this he was not discouraged but on 
through life he went ; 

He had fully resolved with Fate to be content. 

So upon one bright morn in Old Virginia, the 
story goes. 

He met Miss Mary Ball and to her did pro- 
pose. 

Here are the two grand-parents of our coun- 
try, so to speak — 

The sturdy Augustine with his Mary, kind and 
meek. 

Upon the twenty-second of February, Seven- 
teen Thirty-two, 

An heir was born to cheer the home of this 
ever happy two. 

Four more were ])orn in this happy home 

But the first one, George, he stood alone. 

In his vouth he was a truthful and obedient 
chifd ; 

And from the tale of the cherry tree we find 
him meek and mild. 



He grew into nobility enwrapped in noble 
thought. 

The selfishness of life by him w^as never 
taught. 

That he was a firm believer in honesty by all 
was understood. 

And believed in doing no evil if he could do no 
good. 

To all those around him he would cite the 
Golden Rule ; 

He was a real graduate of that good old hon- 
est school. 

In Seventeen Fifty-eight, when from military 
duties he retired. 

General Braddock said he was a soldier that 

was to be admired. 
When this young soldier was free from camp 

and field. 

He joined \'irginia's House of Burgesses — his 
constituents to shield; 



And there for a number of years in legislative 

work did toil. 
Leaving not a mar upon his memory to his 

native soil. 



This Noble Sage on January the seventeenth, 
Seventeen Fifty-nine, 

Was married to Martha Dandridge Custis, a 
widow then twenty-nine. 

When married, this v/idow a most beautiful 
daughter Eleanor had 

And a son George, a bright and cheerful lad. 

These both, at the death of Major John Parke 
Custis, 

Were adopted by George Washington through 
a Court of Justice. 

To George and ^Martha no heirs were ever 
born 

But their true love was ever bright and warm. 

Thus a most gladsome life at Mount Vernon 
extending 

Through sixteen tranquil years his loved bride 
attending. 

AVashington was an attentive lover and hus- 
band, 

A thorough farmer; and at his leisure, a jolly 
sportsman. 

His bruised arms he thought were hung up 
through all Eternity. 

He thought now to live a life of real serenity. 

10 



But this was not yet to be, for in Seventeen 
Seventy-five 

The war for American Independence began to 
thrive. 

And he, as Commander-in-Chief of the Army 
of this Continent, 

During the entire struggle seldom to Mount 
Vernon went. 



In Philadelphia, with that grand old bell. 
The end of British rule was tolled full well ; 
And on July fourth, Seventeen Seventy-six, 
American independence was forever fixed. 

And its declaration by him was signed. 

With true love for his country foremost in 
mind. 

America's freedom was sounded to all, 

\\^ith that good, old Liberty Bell at Indepen- 
dence Hall. 

And when this war was over, liberty being- 
sure, 

George Washington retired to his home and 
wife so pure. 

And for five years the mansion was full of dis- 



tinguished guests 



11 




MARTHA WASHINGTON 



Who came to pay homage to this Patriot and 
Soldier so blessed, 

A\'ho had achieved his country's absolute 
liberty 

From the heavy yoke of British tyranny. 

Once more he became a tiller of Old Virginia's 
soil 

And thoroughly resolved to shut out all tur- 
moil, 

And live now a pure life of cpiietude 

With Martha dear, to him the Queen of Wo- 
manhood. 

In Seventeen Eighty-four, he sent LaFayette 
his thanks 

And said, "I'm a private citizen upon the Po- 
tomac's banks. 

Here under the shade of my own vine and 
fig tree 

From the bustle of camp and public life, I'm 
free. 

I'm solacing myself with the tranquil fruit 
Of a true born soldier who is ever in Fame's 

pursuit. 
And a Noble Statesman whose watchful days 

and sleepless nights 
Are spent in devising schemes for his coun- 

trv's rio-hts. 



Our conquered ones do great sorrow feel. 

But we whipped them fairlv upon the battle- 
field." 

He thought to now retire from public em- 
ployment 

And to live once more at home with his family 
was bent. 

Envious of none, he was determined to be 
pleased with all. 

This, dear friends, was the order of his Alarch 
and Call. 

His wish Vs^as to move quietly down the 
stream of life 

And peacefully rest beside his Fathers — free 
from Care and Strife. 

A life of quietude for him was not yet to be ; 

From the duties of his country he was not 
wholly free. 

On the fourteenth of April, Seventeen Eighty- 
nine, 

A messenger rode up to his door with a look 
sublime : 

''Hail to the Xoble George of Mount Vernon," 
said he, 

"Dear Sir, I address you as the Father of our 
Country, 

14 



And as ^Messenger from Congress I am sent — 
With these glad tidings to bring you I'm sure 
I am content — 

That by a unanimous vote with all true dex- 
terity 

You've been elected First President of the 
United States of America, 

And with the assumption of your office im- 
mediately 

The Congressmen beg to be Yours Most 
Obediently." 

So two days later Washington departed for 
New York 

To be inaugurated and take up his new work. 

There were great ovations in towns and cities 
through which he passed 

And he reached the great metropolis midst a 
Jubilee at last. 

He took the oath of office in April, the thir- 
tieth day, 

And was an active President the First day of 
May. 

The following eight years to his honest duties 
bent 

And only for vacations he to ]Mount Vernon 
went. 

]-» 



He was faithful to his trusts in his many pub- 
He ealls. 

Guided by true justice ; he shunned disgrace- 
ful brawls. 

Xo taint of dishonor had e'er his character 
marred; 

The distorted thoughts of evil by him w^ere 
ever barred. 

]\Iarch fourth. Seventeen Xinety-seven, he at- 
tended the inauguration 

Of John Q. Adams, the Second President of 
our Xation. 

He then, retired to his ever loving fireside 

To live in quietude Vx-ith ]\Iartha, his faithful 
bride. 

During these two years and nine months of 
his last days 

As he retired from office with the fading of 
life's rays. 

He never ventured twenty miles from home 

Leaving his loved ones and ^lartha dear, 
alone. 

In the cream-colored chariot, used while Pres- 
ident occasionally. 

With six blooded horses and servants in full 
livery, 

IT 



This Hero and his wife would often wend 

their way. 
Making formal calls on clergymen and lay. 

Oft' they to Alexandria or the new capitol 
Vv'ent 

Where buildings were being constructed for 
the government ; 

But usually he was busy upon his farm from 
day to day 

For things had been neglected while he had 
• been away. 

He had a host of trusty and loving farm 
hands. 

And little cabins dotted here and there upon 
his lands. 

AA'ith a hundred head of horses and mules be- 
side. 

In his stable of blooded drivers he always 
took great pride. 

Cattle, sheep, and hogs, in large herds he 
raised ; 

For his bounteous crops of staples, he de- 
served great praise. 

He now relinquished the sports of his earlier 
life 

And saw less company but was very attentive 
to his wife. 

IS 



In his tastes and habits he always had simple 
wa3'S ; 

It was his custom to rise very early and shave. 

Wholly absorbed in his extensive agricultural 
operations. 

Ever progressive was he in his daily occupa- 
tions. 



After dinner, which was served at three 
o'clock. 

He'd take up his correspondence, which was 
ne'er forgot. 

And regularly he'd employ himself in his li- 
brary 

For two or three hours dictating to his Private 
Secretary. 



Evenings were devoted to amusements for 
family good. 

He was of a free and kindly manner — always 
in a cheerful mood. 

With his adopted children and relatives, he 
always enjoyed jokes ; 

To him it was a great pleasure to cheer his 
home folks. 



19 



His cheerfulness has been handed down with 
his name. 

It has oft' been said, 'twas hard to realize he 
was the same 

Washington, whose dignity awed all who ap- 
proached him. 

His cheeks had a clear, healthy flush of manly 
vim. 

He measured six foot two in his stocking feet ; 

Was straight and slim with muscles quite 
complete. 

Having retained much of his youthful grace, 

A look of calmness was always upon his face. 

Thus for two score years with his ]\Iartha by 
his side. 

The Father of our Country braved life's sturdy 
tide. 

At last this great planter of Virginia passed 
away — 

And peacefully may he rest who has returned 
to clay. 

From a short account of his death by Tobias 
Lear, 

W' ho was his Private Secretary for nearly fif- 
teen year, 



\Yq find that December thirteenth, Seventeen 
Xinety-nine, 

He was surveying the lawns around his man- 
sion fine, 

Marking- some trees he wished cut down and 
taken away. 

He'd gotten wet while riding the previous day, 

And to his house with a cold he was confined 

Till noon, Avhen the sun shone out sublime. 

To complete his surveying, seemed his aim. 
But that evening of hoarseness he complained. 
He tried aloud to read the latest current news, 
And to his family did express his views. 

At last he and Alartha to their chaniber went, 
Hand in hand — these two with life content. 
And they- laid them down in a peaceful sleep, 
Resolved their pace of pure life to ever keep. 

But at two o'clock in the morning when all 
Avas still, 

George said to Martha, 'T'm quite ill." 
But would not let her rise for 'twas not warm. 
He said, "]\Iartha, dear, a cold might do you 
harm." 



So when their faithful servant came that morn 

To build the fire and make the chamber warm, 

She was sent to Mr. Lear to state the condi- 
tions. 

They sent to Alexandria and Port Tobacco for 
physicians, 

During the meantime, Washington was bled, 

And all available comforts brought to his bed. 

\\ hen the physicians came, they bled him 
again 

And used their utmost skill to relieve his pain. 

But that day congestion became so complete 

That this dying hero had great difficulty to 
speak. 



Towards night he said, 'T feel myself agoing 
on. 

I thank you for your attention, friends, I can- 
not tarry long; 

So pray you, do not take more trouble about 
me. 

But let me pass to the Great Beyond most 
quietly." 



He said to Mr. Lear just as the clock struck 

ten, 
"I am going very fast. I see my journey's 

end." 
"See that I am decently interred," he said. 
''Don't put me in the vault till three days after 

I am dead." 



He looked up and said aloud, ''Do you under- 
stand?" 

Lear said, "Yes, sir, we shall obey your com- 
mand." 

He lay quietly and from Lear his hand with- 
drew. 

Feeling his own pulse. Death was near, he 
knew. 



His countenance changed — his hand dropped 
to his side. 

'' 'Tis well," he said, and the Father of Our 
Country died. 

Lear grasped his hand and pressed it to his 
breast. 

Dr. Craik covered his eyes wdien he saw this 
peaceful rest. 



26 




THE WASHINGTON MONUMENT 



^^'hen all were fixed in silent grief, 'tis said, 
^Irs. AA^ashington, who sat at the foot of her 

hero's bed, 
In a cool and collected voice did ask, "Is he 

gone?" 
Not a Vs'ord was spoken, but Lear waved his 

hand along. 



She said, " 'Tis well. All is over now. I shall 

soon follow him. 
I have no more troubles to pass — I feel that 

Death's set in." 
So passed a pure, congenial spirit from this 

earth. 
It was clothed in manlv honor from its birth. 



In the true cause of Justice, it knew no fear. 
This useful life was ended in its sixty-eighth 

year. 
Eighteen months more are added to our tale 
That poor Martha ever w^ore the mourner's 

veil. 





^■pl ."^1^^^' "• • ■ ''^ 


^BHKj.-*'^" ■ss'^'^' "' "^"'i ' SMM 


1^ ' ^h^MmQ^m-Mm&^.h i^i 




BR ^ 


^fM^B_ 




mm^M^f^^lxiHBM^SBS^^B^ 


^•t,* 


^'^<a\TE^^^BBHKHnwJw*?MiiiWf~^'»lw^^^K^B^y 


%3UP' 


V ^^I«^^hH^HP^'^ 


T^^BpBBPiwBl^w^ 



At her window she'd sit the Vvdiole day 

through 
Where her no1)le hero's grave was in full A'iew. 
During this time, 'tis said, she never left her 

room ; 
Her loving heart was filled with bitter gloom. 



The twentv-first dav of ]\Iav, Eiohteen Hun 



ts' 



dred and One, 



As she reached the good old age of seventy- 
one, 
The welcome call of Death came to her door. 
And she w^ent to meet her George upon that 
pfolden shore. 



These Vv^ords are chiseled o'er the door of his 

tomb, 
''Within this enclosure rests the remains of 

General George A^^ashington." 
Thus ends the tale of a great and noble man 
A\dio is the honored Father of this Glorious 

Land. 



27 



He whipped the British in the great Revohi- 

tion. 
'Twas him that signed the Constitution. 
Like those we sing — w^e must all return to 

clay 
And soon shall want the generous tears we 

pay. 



So peacefully rest George Washington's fair 

name ; 
He concjuered Strife and climbed the pinnacle 

of Fame. 
And may the green sod lie lightly on the grave 
Of this great Statesman and Hero brave. 



The fragrant flowers be faithful to their duty 
And ever mark this sacred spot with glowing 

beauty. 
Being washed by the rains and kissed by the 

sun. 
Thus ends the tale of the great George Wash- 



28 



^\ W 1908 



